Choosing between matte and gloss subway tiles may seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on how your space looks and feels. Both finishes offer timeless appeal, yet they interact with light and texture in very different ways. Matte tiles create a soft, understated look that feels warm and relaxed, while glossy tiles reflect light to brighten the room and add a sleek, polished touch.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between matte and gloss finishes, including how they affect mood, maintenance, and overall design. Whether you're planning a kitchen update or a bathroom refresh, you’ll be better equipped to choose the finish that fits your space and style.

 

 

Exploring Subway Tile Finishes

Subway tiles have remained a design favorite for over a century, but there’s more to them than just their shape. The finish plays a quiet yet powerful role in shaping the overall mood of your kitchen or bathroom. Whether you prefer a soft matte or a high-gloss surface, the right finish can tie your design together and make a lasting impression.

A Brief History of Subway Tiles

Subway tiles didn’t actually begin in kitchens, they first made their appearance in the New York City subway system in the early 1900s. These glazed ceramic tiles were selected for their clean, bright appearance, along with their durability and ease of maintenance. Over time, their practicality and timeless style made them a natural fit for residential spaces. Today, they remain a go-to choice for both traditional and modern interiors.

Matte Finish

Matte subway tiles offer a soft, understated look that creates a warm and grounded atmosphere. Their lightly textured surface absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which helps soften the overall feel of the space. This finish works especially well in cozy, rustic kitchens, think brick walls, natural wood, and a more relaxed, lived-in vibe.

Also, matte tiles reveal the true richness of a tile’s color without any gloss interfering. For instance, if you're working with bold shades like forest green or navy, a matte finish allows those colors to take center stage. They're a great option if you're aiming for depth, calmness, and character in your design.

Gloss Finish

Glossy subway tiles reflect light beautifully and instantly brighten up any room. Their smooth, polished surface makes spaces appear more open, especially helpful in small or dimly lit kitchens. For example, a classic white gloss backsplash can amplify daylight and give the entire room a cleaner, fresher feel.

Gloss tiles also come alive in darker colors. Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or charcoal take on a sophisticated edge when glazed, adding a bit of shine without overpowering the space. This makes them a popular choice for modern, vintage-inspired, or glam kitchen styles.

Exploring Other Finishes

While matte and gloss are the most well-known, other finishes offer unique textures and subtle effects that can elevate your space. These alternatives are worth considering if you're looking to add dimension, soften the look, or bring in a handcrafted feel. Below are several options that balance functionality with style.

Satin Finish

Satin subway tiles sit right between matte and gloss, offering a soft, gentle glow without full shine. This makes them ideal for creating a more relaxed yet refined atmosphere. They work especially well in transitional kitchens where a hint of polish is welcome but not overwhelming.

Textured Finish

Textured subway tiles come with raised surfaces or uneven detailing that bring extra depth to your walls. For instance, a subtle ripple effect or handcrafted-style texture adds visual interest and makes the space feel more tactile. These tiles are great for rustic, industrial, or organic-modern interiors.

Beveled Finish

Beveled tiles feature angled edges that create shadows and depth, adding more dimension than a flat tile would. They’re commonly used in traditional or transitional spaces but can also add elegance to modern kitchens. Pairing them with contrasting grout can help highlight the tile’s edge even more.

Crackle Glaze

Crackle-glazed subway tiles have a fine, web-like texture that gives them a vintage, weathered character. They're best used in areas with lower moisture or sealed properly, since the finish can absorb liquids. Still, they bring a unique charm to farmhouse, cottagecore, or eclectic kitchens.

Handmade-Look Finish

Tiles with a handmade-look finish mimic the irregular edges and slight color variation found in artisan ceramics. These imperfections add warmth and personality, especially in more casual or coastal interiors. They also pair nicely with wood, stone, and other natural materials for a relaxed, layered look.

 

Crafting Your Vision with Subway Tiles

The finish you choose for your subway tiles can greatly influence the feel of any space, whether it's a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or hallway. From sleek and polished to soft and earthy, different finishes help create distinct moods and styles. Below, we’ll explore how matte and gloss tiles contribute to the overall character of your space, wherever you decide to use them.

Classic and Sophisticated

For a space that leans into timeless elegance, glossy subway tiles are a reliable choice. Their smooth, reflective surface catches the light beautifully, creating a sense of polish and traditional charm. In a bright farmhouse-style kitchen, glossy white tiles pair well with shaker cabinets and butcher block countertops, adding depth without overwhelming the space.

Gloss tiles also work beautifully in transitional or contemporary designs, especially when combined with rich colors and luxurious materials. For instance, navy subway tiles, as seen above with our Jaden 2.5x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Navy, add depth and character when paired with brass fixtures, dark wood cabinetry, and soft lighting. The result is a room that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, with just the right amount of drama.

Modern and Sleek

If your space favors clean lines and minimal details, matte subway tiles offer the subtle sophistication that modern interiors demand. Their non-reflective surface provides a smooth backdrop that lets other design elements shine. In an open-concept kitchen or a contemporary bathroom, matte tiles add contrast without creating visual clutter.

Also, matte finishes help soften bright lighting and keep reflections from distracting the eye. This makes them a great match for designs with bold statement lighting or eye-catching fixtures. The result is a clean, balanced look that complements both sharp architecture and expressive accents.

Warm and Inviting

To create a room that feels relaxed and welcoming, matte subway tiles in warm, earthy tones are a natural fit. Their soft finish enhances the character of surrounding materials like wood, brick, or clay. For example, matte terracotta tiles work beautifully with rustic features like exposed beams or antique furniture.

This inviting look also works well in bathrooms or laundry rooms where you want a sense of comfort and softness. Shades like sage green, taupe, or sand-colored matte tiles can ground the space while keeping it feeling personal and lived-in. The hand-finished texture adds just the right touch of warmth and depth.

Bright and Airy

If your room feels a little tight or lacks natural light, glossy subway tiles can help you open it up. Their reflective surface bounces light around, making even smaller spaces feel larger and more breathable. For instance, glossy white tiles lining a bathroom wall or kitchen backsplash can instantly lift the entire room.

This effect works beyond just white tiles. Soft pastel tones like pale blue or light mint with a gloss finish also help amplify brightness while adding a gentle hint of color. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment or a low-light hallway, glossy finishes offer both function and light-enhancing beauty.

 

 

 

Light and Space Considerations

Lighting can completely transform how subway tiles look and feel in a room. Whether you're working with natural light or planning your artificial lighting layout, the finish you choose plays a key role in how your space feels. Below, we’ll explore how matte and gloss subway tiles respond to different lighting conditions and how you can use that to your advantage.

The Power of Natural Light

Glossy subway tiles, such as our Olivia 4x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Dusty Blue above, thrive in spaces filled with natural light. Their reflective surface helps amplify brightness, making rooms feel more open and airy. For instance, in a bathroom with a skylight or a hallway with a sunny window, glossy white tiles can bounce light around and create a fresh, uplifting atmosphere. Lighter shades like soft blues or blush also work well in glossy finishes, adding color while still maximizing light reflection.

Natural light, however, isn’t always consistent or soft. In spaces that receive strong afternoon sun, matte tiles can help soften the mood. Their light-absorbing quality reduces glare and brings a more calming tone to rooms like south-facing kitchens or sun-soaked entryways. A cool gray or beige matte tile can temper the intensity, keeping the space comfortable throughout the day.

Artificial Illumination

Artificial lighting also plays a huge role in how your tile finish appears once the sun goes down. Warm lighting, like incandescent or soft LED bulbs, adds a cozy glow that works beautifully with matte tiles. In a powder room or laundry area with matte finishes, warm light creates a relaxed and welcoming feel.

Cooler, daylight-toned LED bulbs pair especially well with glossy tiles. The brighter white light enhances reflectivity, giving spaces like bathrooms or mudrooms a clean, crisp aesthetic. You can also use lighting direction to your advantage, under-cabinet lights or sconces aimed at glossy tiles will boost brightness and highlight the tile’s surface beautifully.

Maximizing Space with Light Reflection

Glossy tiles are particularly helpful in smaller or enclosed spaces. Their light-reflective quality creates the illusion of more depth, helping tight rooms feel larger and more open. For example, a compact shower lined with glossy tiles or a narrow hallway with a glossy tiled accent wall can instantly feel more spacious and less closed-in.

This effect isn’t limited to white tiles. Glossy pastels or soft neutrals can also brighten a room while adding a bit of personality. Whether it’s a small bathroom, utility room, or an apartment kitchen, using gloss finishes strategically can make a meaningful difference in how open the space feels.

 

 

Subway Tiles with Other Elements

Subway tiles may seem simple at first glance, but their finish plays a key role in bringing a space together. From cabinets and countertops to how high you run the backsplash, the finish you choose can influence balance, contrast, and light. Below, we’ll explore how to pair subway tiles with other core design features for a cohesive and thoughtful result.

Cabinets

The color and style of your cabinets have a direct impact on which subway tile finish will work best. Light cabinets, such as white, soft gray, or pale wood, give you the flexibility to go in either direction. Glossy tiles add brightness and help create a light, modern look, especially in contemporary kitchens where clean lines are a priority. Matte finishes, on the other hand, introduce subtle warmth and a textured quality that complements transitional or farmhouse styles.

Darker cabinetry can benefit from the contrast and reflectivity of glossy subway tiles. For instance, pairing deep walnut cabinets with glossy white tiles creates a striking contrast that keeps the space from feeling too heavy. You can also introduce soft color with light blue or muted pastel gloss tiles to maintain a sense of openness. Whether you lean bright and modern or soft and grounded, the finish you choose helps set the tone.

Countertops

Your countertop material is another major design element to consider when selecting a subway tile finish. Glossy tiles naturally pair well with polished stone surfaces like marble or quartz. The shared sheen enhances light reflection and gives the space a cleaner, more expansive feel. For example, glossy white subway tiles with white quartz countertops create a seamless and sophisticated combination that works well in sleek, minimalist kitchens.

Matte subway tiles are better suited for spaces with visually active or textured countertops. If your countertop features bold patterns, like granite or veined stone, a matte finish can help calm the look and let each surface shine in its own way. Neutral-toned matte tiles such as taupe or soft gray add balance without competing for attention. You can also go bold with deep navy or green matte finishes, which pair beautifully with patterned counters while keeping the overall look grounded.

Backsplash Height

The height of your backsplash affects not only the layout but also how a tile finish interacts with light and space. A taller backsplash, one that extends to the bottom of upper cabinets or even to the ceiling, gives glossy tiles more surface to reflect light. This creates a brighter, more open feel, which is especially useful in rooms with limited natural lighting. For instance, a glossy white backsplash that runs the full wall height behind a range hood can amplify sunlight and make the space feel more expansive.

For standard backsplash heights, which typically stop just above the countertop, either finish can work depending on your desired look. Gloss tiles still bring a touch of light and vibrancy, while matte finishes introduce softness and depth. In smaller or more intimate kitchens, a matte tile in a muted color can help prevent glare and create a calming backdrop. Ultimately, your finish choice should align with how much emphasis you want the backsplash to carry.

 

 

 

Upkeep of Subway Tiles

Proper care plays an important role in keeping your subway tiles looking their best over time. While ceramic and porcelain tiles are naturally durable and easy to maintain, the finish you choose, whether matte or gloss, can influence how often and how thoroughly you need to clean. Here we’re going to walk you through the key differences in maintenance to help you choose what fits your space and routine. These tips apply specifically to ceramic and porcelain tiles; if you're working with natural stone or other specialty materials, be sure to follow manufacturer-specific care instructions instead.

Conquering Grime

Subway tiles are known for being easy to clean, but every finish behaves a bit differently when it comes to daily messes. Glossy tiles have a smooth, glazed surface that helps repel splatters and stains. Spills tend to sit on the surface, making them easy to wipe away with a damp cloth and mild soap. This makes glossy finishes especially convenient in busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms where quick cleanups are part of the routine.

Matte tiles, by contrast, have a slightly textured surface that can hold onto dust and grime a bit more. Cleaning may take a little more effort, usually with a microfiber cloth or soft brush and a gentle cleaner, to lift dirt from the tile surface. However, that same texture can be a plus when it comes to hiding smudges, fingerprints, or water spots. This subtle ability to mask everyday wear makes matte tiles appealing for relaxed, lived-in spaces.

Overall, both finishes can stay looking great with regular care. If ease of cleaning is a top priority, glossy tiles may be a better option. If you’re comfortable with a little extra attention in exchange for a more organic or handcrafted feel, matte tiles offer a rewarding alternative. Either way, establishing a simple routine helps both finishes maintain their beauty over time.

Maintaining the Lines

Even with easy-to-clean tiles, grout lines tend to need more attention. Grout is porous and can absorb moisture or stain over time, especially in bathrooms or around sinks. Glossy tiles can also highlight grout contrast more clearly due to their reflective surface, which means stains may stand out more. Choosing a darker grout color and sealing it regularly can help minimize discoloration and keep the overall design looking fresh.

For general upkeep, use a soft brush and a diluted vinegar solution to gently clean grout lines without damaging the surrounding tile. Just be sure to review the grout manufacturer's cleaning guidelines before using vinegar or similar products, since some grouts may not be compatible with acidic solutions. Taking the extra step to seal your grout, especially if it’s light in color, adds valuable protection and helps simplify your cleaning routine.

Ensuring Lasting Beauty

With the right care, both matte and gloss subway tiles are designed to hold up beautifully over time. Ceramic and porcelain surfaces are resistant to most scratches and fading, especially when cleaned using non-abrasive products and soft materials. Regular wipe-downs and avoiding harsh chemicals will help preserve both texture and shine, depending on your chosen finish.

Also, think about which finish best suits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. Glossy tiles are ideal for those who want a low-effort routine, while matte finishes may require slightly more attention but offer a softer, more handcrafted look. Whichever you choose, a little consistency goes a long way in keeping your tiles looking their best.

A Tile Finish That Fits Your Life

Whether you're drawn to the soft texture of matte or the clean shine of gloss, the finish you choose plays a key role in shaping the overall feel of your space. By considering elements like lighting, cabinetry, and countertops, you can make a decision that feels thoughtful and lasting. It’s not just about following trends, it’s about designing a space that reflects how you want to live and what feels right for your home.

If you're planning a refresh or a full renovation, taking time to visualize your options can make the process feel much more manageable. You can explore Edward Martin’s AR Tool to see how matte and gloss subway tiles will look in your space, and if you’d like extra guidance, our personalized design consultations are here to help. With the right tools and support, you’re one step closer to a space that looks beautiful and feels uniquely yours.